Shrewsbury elects selectmen, rejects override
By Melissa Muntz Community Reporter

Proposition 2-1/2 override supporters rally in the center of Shrewsbury just days before the May 6 election. PHOTO/MELISSA MUNTZ

Shrewsbury - For the fourth time in five years, Shrewsbury voters have defeated a Proposition 2-1/2 override request, 5,212-3,545, leaving town officials with a $1 million budget gap to close and leaving all school fees in place at their current levels. Forty-two percent of registered voters turned out.

The $1.5 million override would have allowed the School Department to retain nine classroom teachers as well as eliminate all activity fees for Shrewsbury students, eliminate fifth-grade music lesson fees, and reduce bus and athletic fees.

Without the override funds, Town Manager Daniel Morgado said there will need to be some very difficult cuts made to balance the municipal budget.

Possible cuts include the layoff of nine full-time town employees, including a firefighter and police dispatcher, eliminating several vacant positions town-wide, cutting hours at Town Hall and the library, and the elimination of paid Meals on Wheels drivers.

After the results were announced, Selectman John Lebeaux was disappointed, but planning to move forward.

"I'm disappointed that voters didn't agree with the board, but I respect their decision and will do our best to provide the best government possible. There won't be any sour grapes," Lebeaux said. "We will just do our best to move ahead from here."

Selectmen

Incumbent Selectman Maurice DePalo of 42 Floral St. held onto his seat with 3,791 votes. Joining him on the board will be Benjamin W. Tartaglia Sr. of 19 Kenilworth Road, with 3,441 votes. Five others who had been seeking the seats were Matthew J. Divris of 26 Browne Road, with 505 votes; Wayne F. Keevan of 4 Flint Meadow Lane, with 540 votes; John P. Masiello of 18 Heatherwood Drive, with 2,470 votes; Johanna Musselman of 39 Stonybrook Lane, with a total of 2,500 votes; and Christopher P. Rutigliano Sr. of 23 Carter Road, with 1,597 votes.

School Committee

Incumbent Mark T. Murray of 19 Colonial Drive retained his seat with 4,718 votes and joining him will be Sandra M. Fryc of 21 Pheasant Hill Drive, who received 4,488 votes.

Fryc will replace Chair Deborah H. Peeples, who stepped down this month after 12 years on the committee. John P. Martin of 204 North St. received 3,478 votes.

Other boards

The three incumbents were all re-elected to the Library Board of Trustees: Joan T. Barry of 55 Harrington Farms Way, with 4,737 votes; Barbara A. Carpenter of 265 Boylston St., with 4,532 votes; and Kevin M. McKenna of 34 Colton Lane, with 4,016 votes. Daniel McCann of 108 Prospect St. received 2,659 votes.

Incumbent Housing Authority member Anthony D. Cultrera of 167 Crescent St. retained his seat after running unopposed and 89 Town Meeting positions were filled.